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Customs commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno ordered the bureau’s port offices nationwide to tighten security and accountability measures over confiscated illicit cigarettes following reports of attempted theft of seized goods
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A memorandum issued on August 3 directs all ports to strengthen monitoring, access controls, inventory management, and incident reporting
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No confiscated cigarettes may be transferred or disposed of without the Commissioner’s prior written approval
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The BOC reiterated its one-strike policy, warning personnel involved in theft or unauthorized removal will be dismissed and face administrative, civil, and criminal charges
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The Internal Administration Group was directed to submit recommendations within five days on additional security personnel, equipment, and monitoring systems
Bureau of Customs (BOC) commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno has ordered its port offices nationwide to tighten security and accountability measures over confiscated illicit cigarettes following reports of attempted theft of seized goods under government custody.
In a memorandum dated August 3, Nepomuceno directed all district commanders of the Enforcement and Security Service and chiefs of the Auction and Cargo Disposal Division to immediately strengthen monitoring and security protocols, maintain strict control over storage facilities, regulate and document access to confiscated goods, and promptly report any suspicious activity, attempted breach, loss, or inventory discrepancy to the Office of the Commissioner.
“This Office has received reports of attempts to steal confiscated illicit cigarettes presently under BOC custody and control at the ports. Such acts undermine the integrity of the Bureau’s enforcement operations and shall not be tolerated,” the Office of the Commissioner Memorandum (OCOM) No. 95-2026 stated.
The memorandum also stressed that “No BOC personnel shall allow any change in the custody, possession, location, or disposition of confiscated illicit cigarettes without the prior written approval of the Commissioner.”
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Nepomuceno likewise reiterated the BOC’s one-strike policy under OCOM Memorandum No. 87-2026, warning that any official or employee found to have participated in, facilitated, tolerated, or enabled the theft or unauthorized removal of confiscated cigarettes will be immediately relieved from service and face appropriate administrative, civil, and criminal proceedings. The policy also enforces command responsibility.
Nepomuceno, in a press statement, stressed that every illegal cigarette confiscated is the fruit of a diligent operation against smuggling, and preserving evidence is crucial to protecting public funds.
He further said any attempt to compromise the security and integrity of seized illicit cigarettes would be dealt with firmly.
“Any attempt to tamper with, divert, or compromise the confiscated illicit cigarettes will not be tolerated. Any official or employee found to be involved or negligent in their duties will be held accountable under our One‑Strike Policy and will face the appropriate administrative, civil, and criminal charges,” he said in Filipino.
READ: BOC chief declares ‘all-out war’ vs smugglers, one-strike policy on erring Customs personnel
To further strengthen security, Nepomuceno directed the Internal Administration Group, in coordination with the Enforcement Group, Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group, and Intelligence Group, to submit within five days recommendations on additional personnel, equipment, facilities, logistics, monitoring systems, and other resources needed to safeguard confiscated illicit cigarettes in all ports.
The BOC said the directive reinforces its commitment to protecting seized goods under government custody while ensuring accountability among customs personnel as part of its continuing campaign against smuggling, corruption, and other unlawful activities.— Michael Barcas
READ: NBI, BOC vow intensified anti-smuggling crackdown after P3B cigarette seizures
